Beasley Memorial Scholarship – Deadline Extended to April 8

GARNA Renews the Brett Beasley Memorial Scholarship

Local students pursuing careers in outdoor recreation and natural resource management have a chance to compete for $1,000 scholarships through this year’s installment of the Brett Beasley Memorial Scholarship.

The Greater Arkansas River Nature Association (GARNA) plans to award one or more $1,000 scholarship(s) this spring to those planning to start post-high-school education in the fall of 2024. The scholarship honors the late Brett Beasley, a father, husband, partner, friend to GARNA and employee of the US Forest Service – Salida Ranger District, who passed away in January 2017.

One of Brett’s core values, as a steward of public lands, was to provide for a diversity of high-quality education and volunteer experiences in the Upper Arkansas Valley. Applicants must be from the area served by the US Forest Service – Salida Ranger District, and show an interest in recreation and natural resource management work. GARNA, through community collaboration, inspires a conservation ethic by providing educational opportunities and experiences so that those who live, work and play in the Upper Arkansas Valley are motivated to take care of the natural resources and leave a legacy of responsible use of the natural environment.

“There are many avenues toward careers in natural resources,” said GARNA Executive Director Jason Marsden. “We want to encourage young people who, like us, are nature centered and community driven, to join the next generation of stewards of our land, air and water.”

Eligible applicants will reside in and around Chaffee County and be starting their post-high school education this fall. Preference will be given to those who’ve maintained a cumulative 3.0 grade point average (GPA) or higher, though volunteerism, experience with local public lands and trails, and a passion for the outdoors and natural resources will also be weighed. Applicants must demonstrate an interest in
pursuing a career in recreation and natural resources.

The application is complete when the following materials have been received. Please complete the Google Form at https://bit.ly/BeasleyMemorialScholarship and attach a current resume, a 750 word (maximum) essay and two letters of recommendation at the designated place in the form by end of day April 8, 2024.

To donate to the Brett Beasley Memorial Scholarship, please visit GARNA.org, email director@garna.org or call 719-539-5106